Spiders, a Jeep and life in the boondocks

Bryce has spent almost a week in his new area -- Colville, Wash. -- and he said it is sooo different from Spokane. The pic posted in last week's blog is, in fact, his apartment (actually a duplex) and he said it is huge compared to his last place, though they have spider problems.

Bryce and his new companion were double-transferred in to replace a couple of sister missionaries and Bryce is the new District Leader in Colville. His district includes six Elders and a lot of miles.

He said there is no snow right now up in Northeastern Washington, but it does rain a lot. We (Andy and Shelly) are glad to have our boy out of the inner city, but Bryce did say he enjoyed his time there and will miss some dear friends he made.

Here's a couple of other excerpts from his letter:

"It's been an interesting week adjusting to the new area! My companion is Elder Buckley and we're full time car and we drive a jeep compass (it's sweet!). Elder buckley's from Lindon, Utah, and he's super fun!
We had a really good visit with my new bishop and his family and they're excited to have Elders in the ward. It's going to be a lot of fun!
Thursday we had a funny experience -- we had been planning on the new DL training being on Thursday and then we called the ZL's about it and looked in the Spokane Word (mission newsletter) and both said it was supposed to be on Friday. Then we got a call about 9:15 Thursday asking if we were coming to the meeting which started at 9, sooo we drove for the full 2 hours went to the meeting for 2 hrs and then another 4 hours of driving from getting lost finding the gas station and everything. it was super funny! We were so exhausted by the time we finally got home! it was a really pretty drive though and the Jeep is way fun to drive!
Friday was weekly planning and just slow going with learning the area, it was tough. but we met some ntersting people and got to try one of the local restaurants. it was pretty good. and we finally got the spiders under control in our basement study room.
Saturday was a good day -- we walked most of the day, which was a nice change of pace, and we met a few people who were fairly receptive to the gospel who we're starting to teach. We also got to check out the church a little bit and get to know some of our boonies a little bit better.
Sunday we got to meet the ward a little bit and get to know some of the brethren better. We even met one of our investigators, which we didn't know about! We also had dinner at our WML house and he lives WAAAYyy out in the boonies. It was quite the drive in the rain -- learned a little bit more about hydroplaning and such -- it was fun! We arrived safe and sound though. I did accountings for the first time and it was pretty simple and fun.

Bryce did send his love and some good pix:

Elders Griffin and Larsen with Doc.

The new comp.

Bishop Olsen from Spokane gave Bryce a ride to Colville.

The new digs.

Elders Griffin and Buckley.

It's a pretty big place.

Roomy.

The basement study -- minus the spiders.

The open road in Northeastern Washington.